In this lockdown period, what would be better than munching some tasty snacks all day? Whenever your hunger pangs or you’re craving some snacks, your hand automatically reaches out to pick some junk fried foods, like chips, samosa, cakes, pastries, kachori, golgappa, and whatnot.

But you know, all these junk street snacks are high in sugar and fat, even its high glycaemic index can give you a temporary pleasure rush, but you will be shocked to know that it can add some pounds to your weight.

So, it’s time to choose a healthy diet that not only indulges your cravings but also provides essential nutrients to improve your metabolism. Satiate your healthy snacking with some delicious snacks and keep yourself fuller.

Here we listed some healthy and tasty Indian snack recipes that can indulge your hunger pangs and keep you away and end up adding a few inches in your waistline. Go through it:

1.    Makhana:

If you are on a diet, then you might be searching for a great substitute for regular junk snacks, like chips, fried chana, fried peanuts, right? Thankfully, there is the best option available to satisfy your never-ending snack loves. Just try out some flavored makhana, available in the market, like Sweet, Salted, Pudina flavored; you will surely fall in love.

Keep this desi Indian snack item packed with nutrients for everyday munching. This low-calorie, healthy snack alternative is a great source of protein, fiber, potassium, carbohydrate, and minerals. This crunchy healthy snack has lots of health benefits, like better digestion, healthy skin, a healthy heart, and more.

Leave your everyday boring snacks behind and include a bowl of roasted makhana with some salt and paprika sprinkled over it, in your regular diet.

2.    Sprout Salad:

If you count on calories, then Sprout Moong Salad is a great alternative to fried snacks. Treat it as a breakfast recipe or evening snack. This low-calorie, high-nutrition diet is a must-have to encourage your weight loss journey.

Take a bowl of sprouted moong and add some freshly chopped crisp and juicy veggies, like cucumber, cabbage, carrot, tomatoes, onion, coriander and mix it well by adding a few pinches of black salt. Don’t forget to squeeze some lemon juice to enjoy its tangy twist.

This protein-boost, refreshing salad can be enjoyed as a midday snack and it is a good source of Vitamin B, protein, fiber, iron, and potassium. This mouth-watering salad recipe not only pampers your hunger but also keeps you satiated.

3.    Poha:

Whenever you want to binge some healthy and delicious dry Indian snacks, then you can opt for Poha or Chivda. It is fat-free and rich in fiber, even it has a great source of 11 vital minerals and vitamins; perfect for a healthy heart.

If you are planning to maintain a healthy diet, then you must include Poha in your mid-day meal or breakfast. To make the dish mouth-watering and to add additional nutrients, you can enjoy a tempting wholesome meal by adding veggies, peanuts, and a dash of lemon juice to your poha.

4.    Veg Wrap:

If you are a Bengalee, then veg wrap or Kathi roll is one of the most common mouth-watering healthy snack options, that you can munch at any time. Its rich vegetable content supplies a great quantity of fiber, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.

Get some sauteed veggies with your favorite sauces or chutneys and wrap these in your handmade rotis made of wheat flour. You can use leftover veg curries or paneer dishes to make this healthy snack in a jiffy.

If you want to meet your hunger with the non-vegetarian snack version, then you can add chicken instead of vegetables.

5.    Dry Fruits and Nuts:

Nutritionists and dieticians are suggested to munch some of your favorite dry fruits regularly. It is a good source of nutrients, vitamins and minerals and rich in fiber. These power-packed, ready-to-eat healthy snacks are convenient to carry at work.

Grab a handful of dry fruits and nuts to curb your hunger. Choose some of the popular dry fruits available in the market, like cashew, walnut, almond, pistachios, raisins etc. according to your taste buds. These mixed nuts have immense health benefits, help to lower your blood pressure and reduce heart diseases.

You can also have dates in your everyday healthy diet. It has a great source of fiber, rich in nutrients and minerals. Its healthy fat content keeps you away from putting on some weight. Even its low carbohydrate content helps you to lower your bad cholesterol level. So, whenever you are feeling hungry, grab some dry fruits.

6.    Puffed Rice/ Murmure:

Like Poha, puffed rice or Murmure is a popular light snack that you can munch on as a great mid-day snack. Roasted the Murmure on dry ‘Kadai’ with a few drops of oil and salt; enjoy its great taste.

You can also opt for puffed rice bhel or jhal muri as your evening snack. Grab a bowl of plain murmure, add some freshly chopped vegetables, like cucumber, tomatoes, carrot, green chilies; a pinch of salt, masala, and squeeze a lemon to give it a perfect mix. If you want to lose some pounds, then avoid adding boiled potatoes as it leads to a high-calorie intake.

7.    Fruit Platter:

Consume a plate full of juicy flavored fruits, not only indulge your hungry soul but also keep you fuller and energetic all day long. Fruits like papaya, watermelon, grapefruit, strawberries, peach, oranges, etc., are low-in-calorie and rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Slice up your favorite fruits or make some smoothies to carry with you at work and consume it in between your meals to boost your energy level.

8.    Dark Chocolate:

Are you craving chocolate during midnight binge-watch? But what about calories??? Don’t worry! Indulge your sugar craving with Dark Chocolate.

Dark chocolate is rich in nutrients, minerals, cocoa content; even it has a decent amount of fiber. Research says that dark chocolate can lower the risk of heart diseases, reduce the risk of low blood pressure, cholesterol levels.

You must be thinking about how chocolate consumption can help you to lose weight. It has lower sugar content compared to milk chocolate. Consume 1 tbsp dark choco chips can lead to 70 calories! So, diminish all your worries and munch it anytime, anywhere and supply fuel to your body.

When it comes to munching something healthy, something mouth-watering, then there are plenty of Indian snack items available. Stop stuffing junk foods and end your hunger pangs with some delicious and healthier alternatives.